Over the years, Microsoft has implemented Windows improvements aimed at make it safer. Some of them are controversial because they are associated with specific equipment. Others depend on your version of Windows. And others come by default like antivirus and firewall Microsoft Defenderfraud alerts microsoft edge And for a long time, etc. But some of these security improvements are hidden, as is the case with window sandbox or window sandbox, in Spanish. This is the Windows sandbox mode, which is used to run applications in complete safety.
As explained in the official documentation, Windows Sandbox or “window sandbox provides a lightweight desktop environment for safely run applications in isolation. Software installed in a Windows Sandbox environment remains “isolated” and runs separately from the host machine. His job looks like a virtual machine. It creates a temporary space, and “when it closes, all programs and files are deleted and the state.”
What is Windows sandbox mode for?
You can use Windows Sandbox or Windows Sandbox for many reasons. For example, for test a program or application of which you don’t know origin or authenticity. You can also test application that you created yourself and you don’t want to have problems with Windows. Or are you interested analyze the application to check resource consumption, whether you are connected to the Internet and to which servers, etc.
Another possible use is that you have to use legacy app and you want to do it securely so that the generated or entered data doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. You can do that creating a virtual machine. But in Windows sandbox mode, you will use fewer resources on your PC and get rid of the need to install old version of windows in the virtual machine. In short, there are many reasons to use this security method.
Prerequisites for its use
The Windows Sandbox is available at Windows 10 D Windows 11. But not in all versions. You need versions Pro, Enterprise or Education. You will also need PC with 64-bit processor. At the moment it does not work on 32-bit architectures. And this processor must have at least two cores. Although it is preferable that it has four cores with Hyper Threading.
Additional requirements for using Windows Sandbox: at least 4 GB of RAM, although 8 GB is desirable, at least 1 GB of disk space and a powerful SSD. And finally activated the functionality BIOS virtualization.
The BIOS virtualization technology is usually found in the security and/or system security section. You will find a section or option called virtualization technology or in English Virtualization technology and initials vtx. You just need to enter the BIOS, activate this option, apply the changes and reboot. Some manufacturers enable this option by default. But it doesn’t hurt check that it is activated.
How to enable the Windows Sandbox
To activate the Windows sandbox mode or Windows isolated space, you will only need to search for Turn Windows features on or off in the Windows search bar. This will open a new window with a list of options that are normally disabled, but which you can enable. You will also find this menu at Control Panelbut this will take you directly to the menu Windows system features.
When a new window opens, you will see a list of options in the form of a folder that you can check or uncheck to activate or deactivate. The variant we are interested in is called Windows Sandbox in Spanish and window sandbox in English. This will depend on what language you have Windows in. Click on the appropriate bookmark if it is not checked, and then on To accept to confirm your choice.
You may need to install new components, or Windows may ask you to restart your computer for the changes to take effect. Be that as it may, follow the instructions to ensure that Windows Sandbox activation is effective. And once you’re back in Windows, go to the search bar and search windows sandbox. He will appear as separate application.
How the Windows sandbox works
When you open the Windows Sandbox application, you will see a new Windows window. Windows inside another Windows. Of course, this is not the full version. In fact, this is the version with the basics to work with. And, as I mentioned earlier, this is a waterproof, insulated version of the main system. How virtual machine.
In this Windows, inside Windows, you can do whatever you want. The goal is for you to be able to launch a specific application securely and independently of Windows running on your computer. Download things, test them, analyze if they are infected or if they connect to the Internet, which they shouldn’t…
Come on, Windows Isolated Space is a tool with which Test applications or Windows itself. When you’re done using it, all you have to do is close the main Windows Sandbox application. Whatever you did there, the files you created or uploaded in the Windows Sandbox will be gone.
Although starting virtual machine It might be easier if we stick to the requirements of Windows Sandbox, this alternative is also very attractive for running legacy applications, performing security and privacy tests, or just to prevent an unknown application. deconfigure your operating system.
Source: Hiper Textual
